Although the oxygen is dangerously thin over on the Democratic side of the 2016 presidential conversation thanks to the air-bogarting machine that is Hillary Clinton, other contenders are attempting to position themselves in the remote chance she doesn’t run after all.

Some paths are clear. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who insists she isn’t running, is the reluctant fundamentalist, more committed to cause than politics. Former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer is the giddy fundamentalist, only too eager to tell you how good he is at politics and what an authentic progressive he truly is. Joe Biden is Mr. Experience, the loyal and steady shoulder to lean on, and would likely run on a strong defense of his boss’ policies.